# Why am I so dizzy? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 7, 2015, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437 "2015-07-07T01:27:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![GiJoe007](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b4bc9f/32.png) [@GiJoe007](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GiJoe007)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2015, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/21 "2015-07-08T23:17:33Z")
Ahem. Well. Yesterday my employer rushed me to emergency because my face went numb during one of my dizziness/arrhythmia attacks. I tried to resist, but my boss used to work as a paramedic, and actually forced me to go. While standing in the emergency line-up, I casually asked what might happen if I made a break for the door. He looked down at me and said very simply: “I’m a trained professional”- Ha! (I’m female btw, so I don’t know if that would affect anything either). I had a blood test done, 2 X-rays on my heart, another simple heart test and the doctor wants to hook me up to some sort of heart monitor vest thingy I wear for 48 hrs. But so far, all the tests have shown everything normal. I was hit by another dizzy spell today though (not quite as debilitating), so WHAT. IS. WRONG WITH ME!? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2015, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/22 "2015-07-08T23:22:42Z")
> [@GiJoe007](#): > > I was hit by another dizzy spell today though (not quite as debilitating), so WHAT. IS. WRONG WITH ME!? inner ear infection? ---
**Author:** ![GiJoe007](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b4bc9f/32.png) [@GiJoe007](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GiJoe007)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2015, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/23 "2015-07-08T23:32:05Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > inner ear infection? Maybe… but how can I tell, and what are the treatments?? If (hypothetically) I am suffering from this, could I permanently lose my hearing? I’ve already had my left ear burst from a middle ear infection. ---
**Author:** ![purplehearingaid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@purplehearingaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehearingaid)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2015, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/24 "2015-07-08T23:43:26Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > inner ear infection? I was going to say that too , or maybe a tooth infection To the OP did you play a sport and your head got hit in anyway ? You could have your eyes checked too . If you drive be careful. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/25 "2015-07-09T00:02:48Z")
> [@GiJoe007](#): > > Maybe… but how can I tell, and what are the treatments?? Antibiotics. > [@](#): > > If (hypothetically) I am suffering from this, could I permanently lose my hearing? I’m not a doctor, but I doubt it, unless it got really out of hand. > [@](#): > > I’ve already had my left ear burst from a middle ear infection. Did the ER doctor know this? ---
**Author:** ![Reeses\_Monkey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reeses_monkey/32/2885_2.png) [@Reeses\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeses_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/26 "2015-07-09T00:04:56Z")
I had dizzy spells earlier this year and blood work showed that the cause was anemia. I was at the point where I almost needed a transfusion. Once I started taking iron pills, the effects went away. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/27 "2015-07-09T00:08:48Z")
[Other possible causes](http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vertigo/article_em.htm) (dizziness is also known as vertigo): > [@](#): > > Vertigo can be caused by problems in the brain or the inner ear. > > Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common form of vertigo and is characterized by the brief sensation of motion lasting 15 seconds to a few minutes. It may be initiated by sudden head movements or moving the head in a certain direction, such as rolling over in bed. This type of vertigo is rarely serious and can be treated. > > Vertigo may also be caused by inflammation within the inner ear (labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis), which is characterized by the sudden onset of vertigo and may be associated with hearing loss. The most common cause of labyrinthitis is a viral or bacterial inner ear infection. The duration of symptoms can last for days until the inflammation subsides. > > Meniere’s disease is composed of a triad of symptoms including episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing loss. People with this condition have the abrupt onset of severe vertigo and fluctuating hearing loss as well as periods in which they are symptom-free. > Acoustic neuroma is an uncommon cause of vertigo related to a type of tumor of the nerve tissue of the inner ear that can cause vertigo. Symptoms may include vertigo with one-sided ringing in the ear and hearing loss. > > Vertigo can be caused by decreased blood flow to the base of the brain. Bleeding into the back of the brain (cerebellar hemorrhage) is characterized by vertigo, headache, difficulty walking, and inability to look toward the side of the bleed. The result is that the person’s eyes gaze away from the side with the problem. Walking is also extremely impaired. > > Vertigo is often the presenting symptom in multiple sclerosis. The onset is usually abrupt, and examination of the eyes may reveal the inability of the eyes to move past the midline toward the nose. > > Head trauma and neck injury may also result in vertigo, which usually goes away on its own. Cervical vertigo can be caused by neck problems such as impingement of blood vessels or nerves from neck injuries. > > Migraine, a severe form of headache, may also cause vertigo. The vertigo is usually followed by a headache, although not always. There is often a prior history of similar episodes but no lasting problems. > > Complications from diabetes can cause arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) which can lead to lowered blood flow to the brain, causing vertigo symptoms. ---
**Author:** ![USCDiver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uscdiver/32/354_2.png) [@USCDiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/USCDiver)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/28 "2015-07-09T00:16:01Z")
Not all dizziness is vertigo! That’s a very specific type of dizziness. Many people use the word dizziness to describe a wide range of symptoms which is why it is so important to be seen in person by someone trained to take an appropriate history. ---
**Author:** ![AnaMen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dfb087/32.png) [@AnaMen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnaMen)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/29 "2015-07-09T00:24:58Z")
Are you taking birth control pills? This could be a side effect. ---
**Author:** ![GiJoe007](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b4bc9f/32.png) [@GiJoe007](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GiJoe007)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/30 "2015-07-09T00:30:34Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Antibiotics.I’m not a doctor, but I doubt it, unless it got really out of hand.Did the ER doctor know this? Um… hehe. No. I didn’t even think of it. I don’t go to the hospital often. Actually, never. ---
**Author:** ![GiJoe007](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b4bc9f/32.png) [@GiJoe007](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GiJoe007)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/31 "2015-07-09T00:38:02Z")
> [@AnaMen](#): > > Are you taking birth control pills? This could be a side effect. No. The doc did ask about this, and I had to chuckle. I have never been sexually active, nor do I desire to be until after marriage. Thanks for asking though; I know that this is a substantial inquiry which could’ve held some significance in terms of my health. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/32 "2015-07-09T11:15:23Z")
My dizziness was diagnosed as viral labrynthitis (sp?) after a long process of elimination which included a 24 hour cardiac monitor and diary. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/33 "2015-07-09T13:27:01Z")
This sounds like the effects of combining acetaminophen and alcohol. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/34 "2015-07-09T13:41:53Z")
Anxiety attacks? ---
**Author:** ![AnaMen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dfb087/32.png) [@AnaMen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnaMen)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/35 "2015-07-09T13:54:31Z")
> [@GiJoe007](#): > > No. The doc did ask about this, and I had to chuckle. I have never been sexually active, nor do I desire to be until after marriage. Thanks for asking though; I know that this is a substantial inquiry which could’ve held some significance in terms of my health. People do take these for other reasons, such as regulating periods, treating acne, etc., not just for contraception. Like any medication there is a risk of side effects, of course, so it is important to let doctors know if you take any medications, dosages, etc. Likewise, your medical history can help you get a correct diagnosis and treatment, so be sure to report your past medical problems and any allergies or bad reactions you have experienced. I hope you get this solved and feel better soon. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/36 "2015-07-09T14:00:41Z")
A 17 year old woman…I have to ask: Do you eat? ---
**Author:** ![GiJoe007](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b4bc9f/32.png) [@GiJoe007](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GiJoe007)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/37 "2015-07-09T14:31:54Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > A 17 year old woman…I have to ask: Do you eat? Ha. Yes. … In healthy amounts. I’m 5’1" and 180-122 usually. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/38 "2015-07-09T14:39:33Z")
> [@GiJoe007](#): > > 180-122 usually. That’s a wide range of weight. Hopefully that’s a typo. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/39 "2015-07-09T14:45:59Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > That’s a wide range of weight. Hopefully that’s a typo. Or if it’s blood pressure, there’s a problem. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2015, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437/40 "2015-07-09T15:13:46Z")
The OP just discovered the other secret… sometimes you go to the doctor and don’t find out squat. Plenty of times doctors don’t have a clue-- even after lots of tests. Lots of times they do, sure… but lots of times they don’t. That’s why they invented the term “idiopathic,” which means we don’t know what’s causing it (and you’re an idiot if you think we do). I had heart palpitations years ago and wore a heart monitor around the clock FOR A MONTH. Never found out anything. But I didn’t die, so that’s good. Back to the OP: burst eardrum seems to be relevant. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-so-dizzy/724437.md?page=3)